With a few adjustments, Planning Board approves medical center

By Chelsea Feinstein, cfeinstein@nashobapub.com

Posted:
10/08/2013 02:37:48 PM EDT

PEPPERELL -- After adjusting its site plan to account for recommendations from the Conservation Commission and Department of Public Works, Southern New Hampshire Medical Center received approval from the Planning Board for a proposed medical center at 68 Main St. Monday.

DPW Director Ken Kalinowski sent a memo to the Planning Board asking that the plan address certain points, including scheduling sidewalk reconstruction to minimize the effect on pedestrians and having a plan to remove snow from the property. Kalinowski wrote that he was not concerned about traffic being affected in the area.

Planning Board member Richard McHugh said any differences in traffic would be minimal.

"I welcome the traffic it's going to bring," McHugh said.

Architects added a natural riverfront area to address concerns from the Conservation Commission that the site plan disturbed too much of the property, especially in the area next to the Varnum Brook.

Planning Board members added a condition on the permit that the facility's lighting not impact the abutting properties.

Representatives of SNHMC addressed concerns raised by the Historical Commission about destroying the 19th-century house that stands on the property.

Owner of Century 21 Nashoba Associates Roger Goscombe, who helped administer the sale of the property this summer, said the Historical Commission toured the house last week to assess its historical value.

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Although they identified some features of the house that were unique, Goscombe said the house's overall condition made moving it an unlikely option.

"It isn't a typical historical building that you'll try to put your heart and soul into saving based on its condition," Goscombe said.

In the meantime, the house is being used by the Fire Department for training exercises.

Scott Cote of SNHMC said the company frequently allows local public safety departments to utilize similar buildings at this stage in the development process.

"They don't get that opportunity enough, and it works," Cote said.

The proposed 11,300-square-foot building would offer both primary- and immediate-care facilities and include 48 parking spaces.